The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has again demonstrated her strong commitment to ensuring economic freedom, prosperity, and empowerment for women across the board, stressing that they play a pivotal role in nation building.
She also expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will positively impact a large number of vulnerable Nigerians in due course.
The First Lady expressed these views at the official flag-off and presentation of empowerment items to 1,000 women in Lagos State, an initiative of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Office of the First Lady. The event was held at the Government House, Ikeja, Lagos.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was delighted with the economic potential of the empowerment initiative, stated that the programme was taking place simultaneously in six states of the South-West, adding that 18,500 women will ultimately benefit nationwide.
According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she founded in support of the President’s empowerment drive, has successfully distributed vocational items to several thousands of women across all states since it was launched years ago.
The First Lady explained that the initiative was designed to support women in starting their businesses, noting that women in the North-West zone will be the next set of beneficiaries.
She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the programme with an additional 500 empowerment items and financial assistance to beneficiaries to transport the items to their various destinations.
Senator Tinubu, who identified with the crucial roles played by women in the development of the country, said such roles validate both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
While thanking the Presidential aide, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for her relentless efforts in bridging the gaps faced by women in economic challenges, Senator Tinubu also commended the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who doubles as the State Coordinator of the initiative, for driving the project effectively.
On his part, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the initiative was a testimony to building women and strengthening the nation’s economy.
He described the empowerment programme as a beacon of hope for women and children, stressing that it was far more than the distribution of support items, but also about sowing the seeds of family stability and investing in their futures to secure the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked the SSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for her contributions in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, noting that Lagos has served as a model for others to emulate.
He added that he was not surprised that the entire country is now benefitting from the initiative.
He described the empowerment programme as part of the fight against poverty and a good legacy of President Tinubu, noting that it was a day of renewal and transformation.
According to him, he stood before the gathering with immense joy and a deep sense of honour.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, also reaffirmed her commitment to bold steps in empowering women across the 36 states.
She said the initiative could not have come at a better time and commended the visionary leadership of the First Lady in improving the well-being of Nigerians irrespective of background.
She emphasized that the Renewed Hope Initiative, under the leadership of the First Lady, continues to serve as a beacon of the Sustainable Development Goals.
She noted that only yesterday, food items were distributed to the less privileged, and she thanked the wife of the Lagos State Governor for her active role in unlocking the potential of women and empowering them for long-term societal benefit.
Orelope-Adefulire highlighted that the distribution of gas cookers, generators, and grinding machines contributes to inclusive national development.
She further appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for aligning with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Mr. President by supporting the programme with an additional 500 items.
She noted that their collective duty is a major driver of sustainable development, which revolves around the SDGs towards ensuring that no woman is left behind.
She encouraged all beneficiaries to make good use of the items as stepping stones to becoming self-reliant and to grow thriving enterprises that will uplift society.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Lagos State and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the event as one that restores dignity to women.
She emphasized that empowerment remains vital under the THEMES Agenda of the state government.
She urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to be innovative and dynamic in boosting their businesses.
For her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, stated that the empowerment programme embodies the spirit of collaboration in advancing the SDGs and promoting equality for all.
According to her, empowering women is a key driver of innovation, development, and the fight against poverty.
She recalled the remarkable programmes initiated in the past by Senator Tinubu, including the Spelling Bee and the New Era Foundation, which she noted have positively impacted many lives.
She added that these initiatives have been sustained during Senator Tinubu’s tenure and remain unmatched by any other programme in the country.
